Why Air China is adding 60 Airbus A320NEO jets to its fleet

December 30, 2025 at 02:17 PM•2 min read

China's flagship carrier Air China and a subsidiary will acquire 60 Airbus A320NEO jets, valued at $9.5 billion, with deliveries scheduled from 2028 to 2032.

Key Points

1Air China ordered 60 Airbus A320NEO Family aircraft with a list price of $9.5 billion.
2Deliveries are scheduled to occur in batches over five years, from 2028 through 2032.
3The purchase is a core component of Air China's fleet modernization, aiming to expand capacity by 6.5% and reduce fuel burn by up to 20%.
4The order is part of a late-year surge in Chinese carrier commitments for Airbus narrowbody jets, including Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines.

Air China, China's flagship carrier, has placed a major order. The Air China Airbus deal is for sixty A320NEO Family jets. This purchase is valued at $9.5 billion at list prices. The airline disclosed the agreement in a Shanghai Stock Exchange filing. Deliveries for the 60 Airbus A320NEO aircraft will occur between 2028 and 2032. This is a significant move for the commercial aviation market.

Fleet Modernization Strategy

The Air China aircraft purchase is part of a renewal plan. It aims to modernize the carrier's narrowbody fleet. The A320NEO jets will replace older aircraft models. They will also support the airline's capacity growth. The A320NEO offers better fuel efficiency. It provides up to 20% lower fuel burn per seat. This helps reduce both operational costs and emissions. The new aircraft will expand the fleet capacity. This growth is estimated at about 6.5% over 2024 levels.

The carrier will finance the acquisition. Funding will come from its own cash and bank loans. Air China is expected to receive substantial discounts. Such concessions are standard for large orders. The actual price remains undisclosed due to commercial reasons.

Broader Market Trend

This order follows a late-year surge in Chinese deals. Several Chinese carrier fleet expansion plans were announced. Low-cost carrier Spring Airlines ordered thirty A320neo jets. Juneyao Airlines also disclosed plans for twenty-five A320-family jets. Leasing firm CALC added thirty A320neo units to its commitment. These transactions reinforce China's market importance. They signal renewed procurement activity in the region. The Airbus narrowbody jets are highly sought after globally.

Industry Impact and Challenges

The A320NEO delivery schedule highlights a key challenge. Deliveries starting in 2028 reflect the large order backlog at Airbus. This long wait time is common for popular single-aisle jets. The demand for new, efficient aircraft remains very high. Global supply chain disruptions pose a risk to schedules.

The order strengthens Airbus's position in China. It is a strategic market for the European manufacturer. The competition with rival Boeing is intense. New aircraft are vital for meeting post-pandemic demand. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts strong growth. This is especially true for domestic and regional routes. The acquisition supports Air China's long-term strategy. It ensures capacity replenishment for the future. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.